Compensation packages grew by 10% last year down from
11% the previous year, once again exceeding the average
4.2% increase in pay for white-collar employees, according
to the Wall Street Journal, citing a study of 350
companies’ proxy statements by compensation consultant
William M. Mercer.

However, stock options were exercised by 151 CEOs in
2000, translating to a median increase of $1,892,938, down
from the record $2,857,676 by 143 CEOs in 1999, the study
showed.

Median total direct compensation increased by 8.2% to
$2,902,886 compared to the 10.8% increase to $2,782,482 in
1999. The numbers included: